This may be on a liberal blog, but a lot of it is true. John Paul II WAS a progressive and could be anti-capitalist AT TIMES.
How many of us could forgive the man who shot us? That kind of mercy should be a model for all of us, even towards those we politically or morally object too.
But I don't expect the pope to fit any earthly political box and it doesn't distress me that my politics could be at odds with some of his stands. I admired his many facets, and his convictions.
I think you probably display exactly the right attitude, pa mom...
Do not let these liberals fool you. John Paul II wanted us to act compassionate towards others one-on-one. He wanted us to be like Jesus in forgiving those who have hurt us.
John Paul II did not preach that societies should allow themselves to be trampled or held hostage by evil. He recognized evil and that it must be confronted.
...could be anti-capitalist AT TIMES.
He was not anti-capitalist. He cared about worker exploitation that takes place in many African nations and other under-developed areas of the world. John Paul II never criticized the United States for its capitalism. Perhaps he would criticize our drive for "things". In fact, John Paul II, on many occasions, mentioned that the United States was the best example of what life should be like in a god-fearing world.